"Research on past conflicts suggests that the war in Ukraine could have a profound environmental impact”
The Black Sea Biosphere Reserve is located on the southern coast of Ukraine and is home to “more than 120,000 birds” and several endangered species
Today, the reserve is also occupied by Russian troops
Military activity sparked huge fires in the area, which have prompted concerns about the possible destruction of essential habitats
Ukraine is home to “vibrant wetlands and forests”
Russian forces have already entered or conducted military operations in more than one-third of the country’s protected natural areas, making Ukraine's ecosystems and species extremely vulnerable
Research from previous armed conflicts suggest that the ecological impact on Ukraine will be huge
“Wars destroy habitats, kill wildlife, generate pollution and remake ecosystems entirely, with consequences that ripple through the decades”
Citations
A ‘Silent Victim’: How Nature Becomes a Casualty of War” The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2022/04/13/science/war-environmental-impact-ukraine.html
2. “The Russian invasion of Ukraine is causing an environmental crisis, and experts say it could take years to fully realize the impact” Insider. https://www.businessinsider.com/russian-invasion-ukraine-experts-say-cause-environment-crisis-2022-3
3. “The Environmental and Health Dimensions of the Ukraine War” University of California Press. https://www.ucpress.edu/blog/58701/the-environmental-and-health-dimensions-of-the-ukraine-war/